Traffic appliance



Aug 12, 1941- H. w. DoDsoN 2,252,558

TRAFFIC APPLIANGE Filed April 26, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet l 20/ (al. 13R I tl /mw- CIMM' .f Aug. 12, 1941. H W DODSON 2,252,558

- TRAFFIC APPLIANCE Filed April 26, 1959 3 sheets-sheet 2 f j? Z5 V 55Z0 58 i2A v 56 52 l y f), 75 74 f `69 46 65 6/ 6 j z/ 7, y 70 7675 75ff" Y? ,u

fz l t9 J5 l l l 74 7 73 4r rafa/Fr Allg. 12, 1941. H, W DQDSON2,252,558

K TRAFFIC APPLIANCE I v Filed April 26, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 @w44 y (dJ UNITED' PATENT OFFICE @TRAFFIC APPLIANCE` Henry W. Dodson, LIfouis.Mo. Applicatinlapnl 2c, 1939, serial No. 270.088 HA`afclaims; rc1. ca-7s) The present invention' relates generallyl to traffic devices, andmore particularly to that type of trai'lic device which ismulti-directional in'its operation. Y o

AAn object of the present invention i'stojprofvide a novelmulti-directional trailic device,I which is adapted to be disposed at anintersectionkto control the traiiic from all routesmovingith'ereinto. 1. o

Another object is'to provide a traiic' `safety `device for motor orpedestrian traffic to reduce accidents. o V.

, Another object is to provide a multi-directional traffic signalconstructed to permit the driver of a car moving intol an intersectionto view the cross traffic and the trailic in thejrear. o

Another object is to provide a multi-directional traiiic signal whichincludes means for'dening the curbing intersections and otherhazards.

Another object is to provide a traffic signal which includes reiiectivemeans to assist a r'notolr-l ist in the observation dof both` crossvandfrear traic. f o Another object is to provide a multi-directionaltrafic signal which has a circumferential reiiect'- ing surface whichassists an .approaching` driver` in determining the location of othertraflic'andV which has means for illuminatingcurbing intero-V sections.o

Another object is to providea multi-directional traicsignal which isadapted to Vuliillall iof the objects. and advantages Sought. therefore,

\ @ther Objects and advantages. will. from the following description,taken .con-l junction with the accompanying drawings, in whichzr y Fig.l is a side elevation oa traic signal constructed in accordancewith theteachings of` the present invention; f

. Fig. 2 is aj sectionjon Fig. 3 shown in Fig. l;

Fig. 4 is asectionon the .line 44 of Fig. `2; 5 is a.iragmentarysectionthrough a swivel joint' employed to support' 'certainadjustablemirror's.` if ff: -i

--Fig Gis a 'section flonthe line G-L-Bfof Fig. 2;v

'l isy a sectionon the lineal" "'F Fig. 8 is a sectionron the line'8i`-of-"Fisl 4:

' Fig. 11` is a fragmentary'sec'tion'taken o'the be. greatest islabottom view ofthe traic signal line "L1 of Fig.V 6, the adjustableelements being inthe positions of Fig. l0; i

rig-w12 is a mocincation of the trame signal showni'n Fig. 1;

i13jisa diagrammatic View showing a preferred disposition of the presenttraiiic signal;

and, -1

Figi." is a diagrammatic View showing another dispositionof a modiedtraino signal.

` Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numerals,designates a multi-directional traffic signal constructedV in accordancewith the concepts of the present invention. The traicsignal 20 isadapted to be suspended above thestreet in a position to control thetraiiic moving into the intersection. A bisectional shaft 2| includes anupper section 22and a lower section 23 which are connected by a juncturebox 24 (Fig. l). The upper section 22 terminates at its free endin aneye 25 which receives supporting elements 26` connected to some suitablesupport (not shown). Y'

kAt the free end of the lower section 23 is a housing 28 (Fig. 4) havinga flange 29. `The housing 28 may be integral with or connected to thefreeA end of the lower section 23. A supporting member 3D has an innercircular segment Ia''ll xed to the iiange 29 by screws 32,-or the like.yThe member 3l] includes an outer octagonal segment 34 connected to theinner segment 3l by suitable spokes 35. Y

A reflector 36 is connected to the segment 3! by screws 31, cr the like,and surrounds a globe 3B connected to the housing 28. Within the globe38 is a bulb (not shown) Which is secured in a socket (not shown)disposed in the housing 28.

The outer segment 34 supports a plurality of reflectors 39 and 40 whichare transparent mirmrs;V` Each of the reflectors 39 and 40is received bya member 4| and 4'2, respectively, each of whichfis of a conguration toprovide channels to "eiceive the lower edge and the end edges oftherespectiye reflector. Y

Auniversal connection 43 including a socket member 44 secured to themember- 4l and a ball member 45'se`cured to the outer section 3'4adjustaloly supports each reiiector 38. A turn buckle imember 46 ispivotally connected to each verticali channel of vthe member 4l` towardsthe upper edge of the reflector 39A at one end, and pivotally connectedat` the other end to a collar 48 which is adiustably secured by set,screws49, or theilik'e, to the shaft 2.3 (Fig. 4). Each memberltlincludes a central casing section 5I] which i`s"adapted to receive signs5I, or the like. Leads 53 extend from within the casing section 50 andpass through a suitable opening in the housing 28 and into the shaft 23.

Each member 42 is adjustably supported on the outer segment 34 by ahinge 55. A turn buckle member 56 is pivotally connected to a projectionl connected to the upper edge of the member 42 centrally thereof at oneend, and at the other end pivotally connected to a collar 58 secured byset screws, or the like, to the shaft 23. The member 42 includesa-ca'sing section 59 adapted to receive traffic lights 66, 6|, and 62in'vertic'al relation (Figs. 1 and 6).

rIhe traffic lights 60, 6 I, and

62 are disposed behind the transparent mirror'v reflectors 40. throughthe casing section 59 and through suitable openings into the housing 28provide elec-l A trical connections between the-traffic Vlights 60, 6l,and 62 and a control (not shown).

A spot light 64 is pivotally connected by a hingel 65 to the outersegment 34 beneath each reflector S9 and 49. A link 66 is pivotalvlyconnected at one end to each light 64 and at theother end to a secondlink 6l. The link 61 is adjustably. secured by means of va connection 68 to a yshaft 69 which is fixed to a collar 'lil adjustablyf secured tothe shaft 23 by set Ascrews ll, or the like. The connection 68 includesan integral sleeve 13 .Figs. 8 and 9) which receives the shaft 69 and athreaded stem 14 which extends through .an

enlarged portion l5 of the link 6l and.- receives a nut 16 and a washer'Il to bind the link 61 and connection 68 in selected relationship. Aset screw 1,8, or the like, is employed to secure the connection 68relative to the shaft 69. A lead 80 which passes from Veach light 64into the housing 28 electrically connects each light 64 with a suitableswitch mechanism (not shown).

A canopy 82 of the octagonal configuration shown is adjustablyuconnectedto the shaft 23 through an integral collar 83 and set screws V84.

Street signs 85 may be connected to the shaft 23 by suitable collarbrackets 86 which are adjustably secured to the shaft. VStop signs,` andthe like, may also be mounted on the shaft 23.

A cable 8l is shown extending from the junov ture box 24. The cable 8lincludes thenumerous electrical leads which extend throughthe shaft 23.It is to be understood, of course, that the various leads are suitablyconnected to operating switches. Y

There is shown in Fig. 1.2 a modified traffic signal 90 which differsfrom the traiiic signal 20 in that it includes a pedestal base .cilV asa support. The base 9| includes a weighted section 92 and a shaft 93whichis connected to the shaft 23. The electrical leads (not shown)ofthe several electrical devices areled awayrunderground to suitableswitches, the weighted section 92 including a channel for the passage ofsuch electrical leads. vThe reector 38 and associated bulb of thetraffic signal are omitted from the traffic signal 90. The traflicsignal 90 otherwise is the same as the traffic signal illand, therefore,further description thereof is unnecessary.

The present traiiic device may beconstructed.

without signal lights, in which event it functions as a safety devicegtoreveal otherwise -hidden traffic. The reflective surfaces are amberclear mirrors when the device is notequippedwith signal lights. Whenconstructedwithoutsignal lights, the device is particularly vadapted forAuse in passageways to assist the movement of f individuals. The narrowintersecting passageways Suitable leads 63 which, lextend.

of hotels, and other structures, are relieved of hazards through the useof the device.

The present device is, therefore, quite flexible as to use andconstruction.

It is to be understood, of course, that the various elements and workingparts of the traino signal are to be constructed of suitable materialand are to be of suitable configuration. Both the hinges 55 and thehinges 65, which respectively mount the reflectors 40 and lights 64, maybe replaced by universal connections such as the connection 43 (Fig. 5),if preferable. The particular turn buckle members and other adjustableconnections may be varied as the remaining construction; demands.

Operation The traffic signal 26 is adapted to be suspended at an'intersection as shown in Fig. 13. The trafo signal would, of course, belocated similarly. It is evident that, with the traffic signal 2E!controllingan intersection such as that shown in Fig.' 13, thereflectors 4U will be squarely facing the'streets leading into theintersection so that the traffic lights 60, 6|, and 62 may function tocontrol: the traiiic. The reflectors 39 will be disposed at 45 to thepath of travel of traffic moving yfrom the streets into theintersection. It is, therefore, apparent that a motorist, moving in the`direction of the arrow A (Fig. 13), will be able to see any vehiclesback of him by means of the reflector 40 which faces him, and will beable vto see ani7 vehicles at B or C by means of the reflectors 39 whichfiank the aforesaid reector 49. The several reiiectors 39 and 40 will,of course, be adjusted to effect such a result and this ability to seethe cross traiiic, even where a light is controlling the traiiic, ishighly advantageous at those intersections where buildings obstruct theview, inasmuch as a motorist traveling with the green light will be ableto see a fire engine, ambulance, or vthe like, which is approaching thered signal. It is a well-known fact that motorists drive in the wintertime with the windows substantially closed, rendering it impossible tohear the sirens and bells of fire engines, ambulances, and the like. Itis apparent, therefore, that the present traiiic signal involves a highsafety factor.

The lights 64, which are disposed beneath the reflectors 39 and 40, canbe adjusted to play upon any hazards in the neighborhood of the trafficsignal 20, such as the intersecting curb stones, a broken placeinthe'str'eet, and the like. These lights canV be properly screened toprevent blinding of motorists.

The light disposed within the reflector 36 finds particu-lar use inspotting a traffic officer standing beneath the traffic signal 20directing traffic during trouble with the signal lights. Even the bestof traiiic signals are inoperative at times due to the wear of theworking parts, and the like.

It is apparent thatthe traffic signal 20 may be other than octagonal inshape. In Fig. 14, there is diagrammatically shown a traic signal of aconfiguration to adequately control a threewayfintersection. A trafficsignal suitable for the control of traffic moving into a veor six-wayintersectionwould include ten and twelve sides, respectively.

l It is apparent that there has been provided a traffic signal which isadapted to fulfill all of the objects and advantages sought therefor. Itis to be understood that the foregoing description and accompanyingdrawings have been given by Way of illustration and example and not forpurposes of limitation, Ithe invention being limited only by the claimswhich follow.

What is claimed is:

1. A traflic device comprising means for supporting said traffic deviceabove the street in the intersection, a shaft connected to thesupporting means, a plurality of clear reflectors-supported by the shaftin spaced relation thereto forming a polygonal periphery, saidreflectors providing means for a motorist approaching the intersectionto determine the trafc on the intersecting streets and on the street onwhich he is moving.

2. A traffic device comprising means for supporting said traffic deviceabove the street in the intersection, a shaft connected to the suD-porting means, a plurality of clear reflectors supported by the shaft inspaced relation thereto forming a polygonal periphery, said reflectorsproviding means for a motorist approaching the intersection to determinethe traffic on the intersecting streets and on the street on which he ismoving, and means for adjusting the reflectors to secure proper imagefocus. v

3. A traffic device comprising a shaft, means for supporting said shaft,a member connected to and disposed about said shaft, said member havinga polygonal periphery, and a clear reiiector mounted on each side of thepolygonal periphery, each reiiector being mounted for universaladjustment, one reflector being disposed at right angles to each street,and one reflector being disposed at forty-ve degrees between adjacentintersecting streets.

HENRY W. DODSON.

